Monday, February 27, 2012

Selling Out

Hey guys! So I have something I want to come right out and talk to you about.

This blog has been a big part of my life for the last almost 7 years. That's a long time in blog years! It's evolved along the way and over the years I've become really happy with this little corner of the internet I've carved out for myself. I also spend a lot of time working on my blog. The writing, the photos, the editing, the posting, DIY's, etc. Recently I have had some opportunities come up that will help me benefit monetarily a little from this blog of mine. I wanted to be up front so you didn't feel sabotaged or anything. Also, you should know it's not going to change much, but in case you're a little apprehensive, here are the facts:

1). I have no desire to turn this into a big huge career or full time job. Really. I've looked into it. It's not for me. I just want to keep on doing what I enjoy doing with a little more emphasis on the arts, while making a little money on the side for something I already put a lot of time and effort into.

2). When (and if) I do a sponsored post, you'll know it. It will still be me writing and no one will tell me what to say or how to say it. I'll only do a sponsored post if I feel comfortable doing so.

3). I am probably going to change my blog address soon and spruce it up a little around here. I was going to do this anyway.

4). I'm hoping to do some contributions on other blogs. Again--this will be more creative stuff that I'm really excited about.

5) There may or may not be ads on the sidebar in the future.

OK so that's about it.

Thoughts, feelings?

I hope you guys are OK with it all since I really appreciate all your love and support.

Be a happy sell-out! You are talented, inspiring, and fun. You should totally take every penny someone throws at you! *Just promise you won't be an annoying sell-out...you know, the ones who are promotion robots. I can spot an excitement impostor a mile away! ;)

Exciting! Before you get all busy with the new changes, do you mind giving me a few pointers on how to do the same? Financially, we could really use any little bit, but I'd like to make it doing something I already enjoy and love.

A big congratulations to you, Miggy! I say "go for it"! I love your blog, and I think you deserve a bit of monetary reward if it is being offered! Oh, and how fun it will be to see how you change up your blog look. : ) Hugs hugs hugs.

No worries - you'll do an exceptional job. I believe you should benefit if you can - I, and I am sure others agree. We are so appreciative of the effort you put forth as well as the honesty in sharing your family with us. Good luck!Linda

I have to admit, I have stopped reading some blogs when they went too commercial. Not because they were getting paid for ads, or even did the occasional compensated review. It was when they would be doing product reviews, what seemed like every other post. It was when they were going on paid trips and blogging about it the other half of the posts. There is nothing wrong with that but when I was reading a blog about redoing things in your home or crafts and the blog suddenly became a paid advertisement with a few posts about crafts/redecorating, that is when I was lost.

I say do it but stay true to the reason you have been blogging in the first place.

Side bar ads do not bother me - you will either click on them or you won't. Paid reviews do not bother me, if they do not become the whole focus.

This is so funny. Just 2 days ago I was reading couple of the blogs that I read on regular basis and realized that they all of a sudden were full of ads and sponsored posts. The thought I had? "Thank God that Miggy doesn't do that" LOLBut I guess you do what you have to do. Alexandra

Thanks you guys! Seriously, I appreciate all the support and even advice.

I do want to take a moment to clarify something. I may have made it sound big time, but it's not. It's small time. This is not a huge money making endeavor. It's a tip jar on the counter of the ice cream place where you wonder if they actually make enough in tips to pay for the gas to get too and from work. I'm not saying I'm not open to bigger prospects, but that is not the case right now. While the work I put into the blog is akin to a part time job, the pay will not match that. AND I'm really not looking for a more full time opportunity. I have no desire to push this blog in the direction of some of my favorite and most admired bloggers. I LOVE what they do and am so glad it lets them run a business from home. Right now I have no desire to up the work load--which is what it would take.

MS--Yes! I'll email you.

Bridget--Thank you and yes I have and will keep all that in mind! Good comment.

Alexandrea--haha! That made me laugh. I have no immediate plans for ads on the page. I'm not saying they won't come, but not right now. Sponsored posts, yes...ads no.

I have to agree that too many product reviews are annoying. I would hate that pressure as a blogger because what if I really don't like the product? I remember a friend of mine bragging over this all natural laundry soap stuff a long time ago. I bought it and it sucked. Cute packaging though!

Do you read soulemama or cakies? I have always admired how they run their sponsors and ads. Everything they promote is SO them and their lifestyle. Nothing conflicts. I know bloggers (that I know you know as well) that have sold out a bit if you want my honest opinion. Some start writing for other blogs and it seems they are forced to write or advertise things that really aren't them... it seems unnatural and I have not been so interested in their blogs anymore..

The sidebar ads are risky in my opinion. How much say do you really have? I will never forget one time a while ago when I was on nienie's blog and there was a sidebar ad for some processed meat product. She is a VEGETARIAN! I remember cjane having some dump alien movie ad on her site for like a weeks -- that moms vs. aliens or something. I would HATE that.

Just be choosy and stay true to you more than anything. I don't doubt that it will all be fine and dandy! I would put money in your tip jar :)

ps -- I just caught up on your blog a little, it was a nice time :) thank you for all you write!

I have been a lurker for some time and want to say that I have really appreciated your recent highlighting special needs families. My son and daughter-in-law started this journey about 4 years ago and 'it is tough' As a gram it is tough. This blog has been so helpful to me.

Please do it-- you deserve some monetary compensation for all your talent! I love reading your blog, you are inspiring and amazing...I love your creativity and artistic touches, your writing style, and above all, an amazing mother and wife. Thank you so much for sharing with us.

Also, my husband just showed me this video and I thought of you. I'm assuming you have probably already heard of Kyle Maynard...He just climbed Kilimanjaro two days ago...the clip totally made me cry and I thought you might like it.